Solar Power is an Economic Option in Africa

In Africa, the majority of people could never afford a landline telephone, and communication for the masses jumped straight to mobile stage. Now the same thing is happening in power generation. This interesting article explains why simple economics are driving an explosion in solar power generation in the developing world, where most people don't have access to the electricity grid: http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/39544/?ref=rss

Namungoona Church Centre Project

The latest news and photos from Namungoona show great progress on the building project, with the concrete slab of the second floor laid, the 'forest' of internal scaffolding removed and the auditorium returned to use. However, political changes among the planning authorities pose a significant threat to the project.

This latest front elevation shows the almost completed fascia and the finished second floor slab. Work has started on the walls of this floor. In the meantime, temporary structures have been constructed on the slab for storage and for the Sunday School.

This means that the building can begin to meet fully the needs of the church, as well as being a resource to the local community.

Planning changes

Effective from March of this year, the Government of Uganda dismissed the Kampala City Council because of alleged corruption and mismanagement, and replaced it with a new City Authority. This brings the management of the Ugandan capital under direct government control.

One consequence has been a significant tightening of planning regulations. The church building has already been adapted to meet some of the new requirements, with additional staircases at the rear and provision for a lift. However the key change required is the provision of parking spaces, with the building currently lacks.

Expanding borders

A next door neighbour recently disputed his boundary with the church, asking them to remove some building materials which he claimed were stored on his land. When the boundary was re-measured in the presence of a city representative, the church's land was found to be bigger than had been realised. In fact, the man's son had built a house partly on the church's property. There is now a possibility of purchasing land from this neighbour to make provision for parking. Please pray that this option can be realised, as it would be much the best solution to the parking problem.

Side view showing entrance and proposed parking area

Temporary classrooms
on the second floor slab

Some of the pupils at Quality Primary School, Namungoona
who have received sponsorship from the UK

Some of the students at Namugoona Parents School
who have received sponsorship from the UK

The True Size of Africa

I just came across this amazing map that graphically demonstrates the sheer size of Africa compared with other parts of the world.
http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/71630

Thanks to @KMPR (http://twitter.com/KMPR) for the link.